Types of massage therapy training

Relaxation massage, also known as Swedish massage, is practiced in spas, wellness centers and resorts.

Clinical massage, also called deep tissue, medical, therapeutic or rehabilitative massage, is practiced in clinics, hospitals and chiropractic offices.

Take a minute to watch and hear this student's story about how he came to Northwestern and where he is working now as a massage therapist.

Our flexible-schedule programs

Certificate in Relaxation Massage

Day schedule: 2 trimesters, 7½ months

Evening schedule: 3 trimesters, 11½ months

With a certificate in relaxation massage, you are ready to enter the profession after completion of the eight-month program in settings such as franchise massage and salon spas. This certificate counts toward completion of the certificate in therapeutic massage for those who want to continue their career and enter more clinical settings such as rehabilitation centers and hospitals.

Certificate in Therapeutic Massage

Day schedule: 3 trimesters, 11½ months

Evening schedule: 4 trimesters, 15½ months

With a certificate in therapeutic massage, you can begin your career in health care in a variety of clinical settings such as chiropractic offices and hospitals. Additionally, this certificate prepares you with the skills to run a private practice. Our strong science-based massage therapy curriculum allows you to graduate in 11½ to 15½ months.

Associate of Applied Science in Massage Therapy (A.A.S.)

3 to 5 trimesters, 11½ to 19½ months

An associate's degree in massage therapy expands upon the certificate curriculum to include general education courses - providing additional communication and time management skills that contribute to success in the workplace. Some employers prefer or require a degree for employment or professional advancement in your career.

You have the option to enroll in the A.A.S. program immediately or pursue an A.A.S. degree after you earn your certificate.

In the news

Graduates of this program rank #4 in the nation for median income out of 420 massage therapy programs nationwide. Based on a recent study by Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education (studentaid.ed.gov).

Career paths

This growing profession – set to increase by 22 percent from 2014 to 2024 – can lead to positions in hospitals and hospices, rehabilitation centers, salons and spas, private practices and much more.

Hands-on clinical experience

Maximize your hands-on contact with clients in public clinics, rehabilitation centers and hospital settings. Hours may range from morning to early evening and include Monday through Saturday.